Police Chief Counsels Nazareth Retailers Despite Burglaries, Merchants Are Told There Is No Reason For Fear

They Can Help Cut Risks With Preventive Measures.

February 22, 1996|by BRYAN HAY, The Morning Call

Although a string of burglaries in Nazareth has alerted the borough's retail district, the police chief yesterday told merchants not to let fear dictate their lives and offered tips to discourage criminals.

Chief Bruce Ruch talked to members of the retail council of the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce to relax lingering concerns in the aftermath of last week's theft at Oswald's Jewelry Store at 48 E. Center St.

Police arrested Richard Crooke of Palmer Township, who also gave police an alias of Richard Wellington. He is believed to be responsible for three other burglaries in Nazareth since last April, Ruch said.

Ruch said retail theft is difficult to prevent, even in the peaceful borough known for beeswax and sugar cake.

Hardware stores are easy targets, where tiny items lying loose on a shelf can easily be pocketed, the chief said. Even the Laneco store on Route 248, with its complex security system, gets hit frequently, he said.

Ruch advised store owners to put valuables near the counter, install cameras or dummy cameras near the cash register, check locks and consider installing an alarm system. He also suggested they do not keep bank deposits on hand or a lot of money in the cash drawer.

He warned merchants about the possible legal consequences of searching someone they consider suspicious. He said store owners must have probable cause, meaning they must have witnessed a shoplifter steal merchandise, or they may face a lawsuit.

Even if a suspect is detained, digging around in someone's pocket is dangerous, said Ruch. Getting pricked with a dirty syringe that could carry the AIDS virus or hepatitis is always a possibility.

"It's real easy to jam your hand in a pocket and get stuck," Ruch said. "It's simply not worth it. Call us. If he gets away, he gets away. It happens."

He also encouraged store owners to get a description of the suspect. Because the robber was remembered wearing yellow boots, the description helped police track down a suspect, Ruch said. Keep a simple, inconspicuous height indicator near the counter to further identify the intruder, he said.

He also advised store owners to examine every check and request identification.

Criminals know bad checks are easy to pass and, even if caught, they would only face a citation, d Ruch said.

Colleen Lavdar, the chamber's executive director, said criminals have a hard time doing business in Nazareth, where word travels fast. From now on, she said, the chamber will take an active role whenever problems arise.